thimblerig

 
Pronunciation: /ˈθɪmb(ə)lrɪg/

noun

[mass noun]
  • a game involving sleight of hand, in which three inverted thimbles or cups are moved about, contestants having to spot which is the one with a pea or other object underneath.

Derivatives

thimblerigger

noun

Origin:

early 19th century: from thimble + rig2 in the sense 'trick, dodge'